Kotak has been head coach of several India A tours, and served as assistant coach to Laxman during the Ireland T20Is, and has been a batting coach at the NCA since 2019

Nagraj Gollapudi16-Jan-2025

Sitanshu Kotak was India men’s stand-in coach for the Ireland T20Is•Sportsfile/Getty Images

Former Saurashtra captain and batter Sitanshu Kotak is set to join the India men’s set-up as batting coach. ESPNcricinfo has learned that Kotak, who is 52, will start with the five-match home T20I series against England which starts from January 22.Kotak, who retired in 2013 after a first-class career spanning more than 20 years, has been the batting coach at the National Cricket Academy since 2019. Kotak also was the head coach of several India A tours and served as assistant coach to VVS Laxman when the latter helmed India’s white-ball bilateral engagements as head coach in the last few years.Kotak will be the fifth assistant on the coaching staff which is led by Gautam Gambhir, who took charge as the all-format head coach last August. At the time Gambhir brought in three assistant coaches: former South Africa fast bowler Morne Morkel (bowling coach), along with former India and Mumbai allrounder Abhishek Nayar and former Netherlands and Essex captain Ryan ten Doeschate as assistant coaches. T Dilip, who was the fielding coach during Rahul Dravid’s tenure, was retained.Related

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Will Jaiswal be picked for ODIs? Does Jadeja still make the cut?

Mohammed Shami returns for India's T20I series against England

The development comes soon after the BCCI conducted a review meeting in Mumbai last weekend to assess India’s disastrous run of series defeats starting with the white-ball loss in Sri Lanka, followed by an unprecedented 3-0 defeat in the Test series against New Zealand at home and then the 3-1 loss to Australia in the Border-Gavaskar Trophy.The India batters’ plummeting form – and subsequent failures – was the key reason behind those defeats, and played a big role in the Test side missing out on a World Test Championship final berth. It is understood that batting was among the significant points discussed during the review meeting which included Gambhir, selection committee head Ajit Agarkar and many from BCCI’s top brass, including newly-appointed board secretary Devajit Saikia.

MatériaMais Notícias

O Conselho Deliberativo do São Paulo aprovou, em dezembro do ano passado, a previsão orçamentária do clube para 2023. E no principal item de receitas, a negociação de atletas, ficou estabelecido o valor de R$ 135 milhões como meta a ser cumprida. O problema é que, com o fechamento da primeira janela europeia ’em branco’ para o Tricolor, a ‘correria’ para atingir o número ficou para o período de transferências que se abrirá no próximo dia 3 de julho.

E, segundo palavras do próprio diretor de futebol tricolor, Carlos Belmonte, a tendência é que não haja jogo duro por parte do clube do Morumbi no que tange propostas para eventuais propostas que chegarem da Europa por suas principais revelações.

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– O São Paulo, com a condição que está, não tem jogadores inegociáveis. Mas óbvio que o nosso desejo é a permanência desses dois jovens, que são fundamentais e importantes para o nosso elenco. Vamos ver como vai ser na abertura da janela – disse Belmonte.

O cartola são-paulino se referia especificamente às situações de Rodrigo Nestor e Pablo Maia, as duas promessas com saídas quase que definidas.

O interessado no jovem camisa 11 são-paulino é o Galatasaray. Representantes do clube procuraram o clube do Morumbi para saber por quanto poderia acontecer o negócio. Ouviram que o mínimo exigido é de R$ 80 milhões (aproximadamente 15 milhões de euros). E que haja a manutenção de parte dos direitos federativos.

Não é o primeiro jogador do São Paulo a ser sondado por turcos. Em fevereiro, o clube recusou uma oferta de 3,5 milhões de euros (cerca de R$ 19,4 milhões) do Besikitas pelo lateral-esquerdo Welington. A proposta foi tratada como ‘uma piada’ nos corredores do Morumbi.

Conforme oL!revelou,o Tricolor tem sondagens por mais duas revelações suas por parte de europeus. O volante Pablo Maia é desejado por clubes ingleses, enquanto o lateral-direito Nathan pode ir parar em Portugal.

O São Paulo, inclusive, já recusou uma proposta do Fulham por Maia no final do ano passado que alcançou 8 milhões de euros (cerca de R$ 43,1 milhões). O estafe do jogador queria o negócio, mas o Tricolor recusou, otimista de que poderia conseguir seu objetivo com vendas das promessas de Cotia (SP): sempre dois dígitos, pelo menos. Ou 12 milhões de euros (cerca de R$ 64,7 milhões) no caso de Pablo Maia.

Muito tem se falado de Beraldo, mas o plano do Tricolor é o de recusar investidas pelo zagueiro de 19 anos, que ganhará aumento nos próximos dias. O plano dos dirigentes é de mantê-lo por mais dois anos pelo menos no plantel. Tempo suficiente para que valorize ainda mais. E, claro, o clube do Morumbi consiga comprar parte dos direitos federativos que ainda pertencem ao XV de Piracicaba, onde ele deu os primeiros passos no futebol.

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Glasgow Rangers supporters will not want to watch back any of the goals that their side conceded in the 3-1 defeat at Ibrox on Tuesday night.

Put simply, Russell Martin’s team were nowhere good enough defensively throughout the match, not just including the goals conceded, as their Belgian opponents found it far too easy to carve them open.

Whilst it was not all on them, Nasser Djiga and John Souttar offered very little protection to Jack Butland with their work at the heart of the defence.

That was the case for the opening goal, after just three minutes, when the Wolverhampton Wanderers loanee inexplicably left the ball and allowed the forward to race through and lob Butland, who was not even close to coming out to sweep up in the first place.

The second and third goals that the Gers conceded were born out of very questionable defending, but the first goal was the worst of the lot, by a considerable margin.

Whether it was a lack of concentration or miscommunication with Butland, Djiga had a nightmare at the back for Rangers and is not building a very positive reputation for himself at Ibrox.

Why Nasser Djiga's form is a concern for Rangers

The Wolves made a terrific start to his loan spell in Glasgow with an imperious debut against Panathinaikos in a 2-0 win at Ibrox in a Champions League qualifier last month.

Djiga made three clearances, two tackles, and one interception, whilst winning four of his five duels, per Sofascore, to keep a clean sheet for his team alongside Souttar.

Since that impressive debut against the Greek outfit, though, the Burkina Faso international has endured a rough time of things in the Scottish Premiership and the Champions League.

Djiga, as shown in the clip above, did not step up in time to catch Finlay Robertson offside and then brought the attacker down before he could go through one-on-one against Butland.

Sofascore rating

6.0

5.9

5.9

Clearances

1

6

3

Error led to goal

0x

0x

1x

Ground duels won

1/2

1/4

1/2

Aerial duels won

1/2

1/5

3/3

Red cards

1

0

0

As you can see in the table above, the 22-year-old defender has also struggled in the last two starts for the Gers, losing seven of his nine duels against Viktoria Plzen before his inexplicable error against Club Brugge on Tuesday night.

The former Red Star Belgrade giant’s form is a concern because he has not provided the defensive solidity that Martin should want from him alongside Souttar at the back, either in the Premiership or the Champions League.

With the untested Emmanuel Fernandez being the only central defender in reserve to compete with Djiga and Souttar, the Light Blues may want to go back into the market to bring in another option in that area of the park.

It was reported last month that the Scottish giants were considering a swoop to sign Volendam central defender Xavier Mbuyamba, but it remains to be seen whether or not they still have an interest in the 6 foot 5 titan.

Transfer Focus

Mega money deals, controversial moves and big-name flops. This is the home of transfer news and opinion across Football FanCast.

The report at the time claimed that the Eredivisie stopper was ‘hoping’ for a transfer to Ibrox, though, which suggests that he would be interested in the move if Rangers decide to make an approach before the end of the summer transfer window.

Mbuyamba also has one year left on his contract with Volendam, per Transfermarkt, and this means that the Dutch side may not be able to demand a significant fee for his services, as they run the risk of losing him for nothing in 2026.

Why Rangers should sign Xavier Mbuyamba

With this in mind, the Gers should push to bring the 23-year-old star to Ibrox before the deadline passes at the start of September to bolster their options in the centre-back position.

Mbuyamba’s form for Volendam in recent seasons, and how he has started the current campaign, suggests that the former Chelsea youngster has the potential to be an instant upgrade on Djiga on the right side of the centre-back pairing.

The Dutch titan helped Volendam to win promotion back to the Eredivisie in the 2024/25 campaign, after they were relegated from the top-flight, whilst the Rangers target missed most of the 2023/24 season through injury.

Prior to his injury issues two seasons ago, Mbuyamba had shown that he had the quality to deliver quality defensive performances in the top division, which meant that it was not a surprise when he dominated the second tier last term.

Appearances

28

34

Goals

5

5

Tackles + interceptions per game

3.5

2.8

Clearances per game

5.4

4.4

Ground duel success rate

56%

64%

Aerial duel success rate

50%

60%

As you can see in the table above, the Dutchman produced dominant displays full of defensive interventions in both of those seasons with Volendam, whilst also showcasing a goal threat from centre-back.

Mbuyamba has also won 69% of his duels and made 15 clearances, five blocks, and five tackles in two appearances in the Eredivisie so far in the current campaign, per Sofascore, which shows that he has been incredibly dominant and active defensively with key interventions.

Djiga, meanwhile, has lost 60% of his ground duels in the Premiership this season and lost 67% of his duels in the Premier League for Wolves in the second half of last season, which shows that he has not been strong enough in one-on-one battles with opposition forwards in 2025.

These statistics suggest that Mbuyamba, who was once hailed as “complete” and “dominant” by talent scout Jacek Kulig, has the potential to be way more effective in defensive duels than the Burkina Faso international.

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ByBen Gray Aug 20, 2025

Therefore, Rangers could sign an instant upgrade on Djiga by signing the 6 foot 5 titan, who has proven himself at the top level in the Netherlands, to offer a more reliable presence at the heart of the defence as a dominant enforcer ahead of Butland.

It will be Jos Buttler’s last match in charge, as England face a shake-up after an early exit from this tournament

Firdose Moonda28-Feb-20257:21

Steyn on SA’s chances against England: ‘Be careful of the wounded buffalo’

Big picture: All eyes on ButtlerWhat could have been a quarter-final is all but a dead rubber as Group B closes out with the meeting of two heavyweights. England are already out of semi-final contention, and will soon have to go down a spiral of introspection over their poor ODI showings, starting with the decision of Jos Buttler to step down as captain. South Africa are all but through to the last four (all but the the most outlandish of heavy defeats will see them through ahead of Afghanistan following Friday’s washout), and it will be their third successive appearance in the knockouts of an ICC event. It will also vindicate white-ball coach Rob Walter’s assertion that when they have a full-strength squad available, they can challenge the best.Related

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'Possible it's my last ICC tournament' – van der Dussen

Some may not even consider England worthy of the label at the moment, but they are the highest-ranked opposition South Africa will actually play against at this tournament so far, after their fixture against Australia was also washed out. South Africa’s first match was a week ago against Afghanistan, who they beat comfortably in Karachi, the same venue as this game. England, though, lost to Afghanistan for the second successive time in a big ODI event, and will wonder if the gulf between themselves and South Africa is as wide as the margin of results against Afghanistan suggests.The evidence of the last World Cup hints at that, after South Africa galloped to a 229-run thrashing of England in Mumbai. Before that, South Africa beat England 2-1 in an ODI series thrust into the middle of the inaugural SA20 which ensured their qualification for that World Cup. In some ways, that series signalled a turning point for both sides: South Africa began rebuilding, and results have largely been positive, while England – though they won ODI series against Bangladesh, New Zealand and Ireland in 2023 – have lost their last four bilateral contests and appear out of sorts at major tournaments.They won’t want to leave this one without having some say. An attack of Jofra Archer, Adil Rashid and Liam Livingstone will be a challenge for South Africa, who will hope to hit back by solidifying their own batting strategy ahead of a likely semi-final.Joe Root’s century against Afghanistan was his first in 40 ODIs since 2019•ICC/Getty ImagesForm guide South Africa: WLLLL (last five completed matches, most recent first)
England: LLLLLIn the spotlight: Joe Root and Wiaan MulderAfter leading the run-scoring list at one stage in the SA20 and ultimately finishing eighth, Joe Root became a fan favourite in South Africa – and especially among Paarl Royals supporters – and they would like to take some credit for his current form. He is currently third in this year’s Champions Trophy’s batting charts, and has already contributed a fifty and a hundred – the latter his first in 40 ODIs since 2019. But Root would love to be able to make a significant score in a winning cause. He is as familiar with South Africa’s attack as they are with him, and may see this as an opportunity to show his dominance against them and in an England line-up set for a shake up.Wiaan Mulder has gone from a fringe player to one of the must-haves in a South Africa side which already has one seam-bowling allrounder in Marco Jansen. Mulder plays a completely different role to Jansen, whose left-arm angle, express pace and ability to generate bounce is one of South Africa’s premier modes of attack. Mulder, meanwhile, offers seam movement and a hint of swing, and has worked hard on both his consistency and his batting, which gives South Africa the luxury of a fourth seamer and a lengthened line-up. There were some glimpses of his batting ability with his brief innings of 12 from six balls against Afghanistan, where he also took 2 for 36 in nine overs in an under-rated but important contribution.Team newsInjuries continue to mount for England. Mark Wood is set to see a specialist in the UK next week after suffering a left knee injury against Afghanistan. Saqib Mahmood could play his 13th ODI in Wood’s place. And, of course, this will be Buttler’s last game in charge.England (probable): 1 Phil Salt, 2 Ben Duckett, 3 Jamie Smith (wk), 4 Joe Root, 5 Harry Brook, 6 Jos Buttler (capt), 7 Liam Livingstone, 8 Jamie Overton, 9 Jofra Archer, 10 Adil Rashid, 11 Saqib MahmoodHeinrich Klaasen was declared fit after he missed the match against Afghanistan due to an elbow injury•PCBHeinrich Klaasen has been declared “fine and available for selection” by Walter after he missed the match against Afghanistan due to an elbow injury. With Klaasen slotting into the middle order, that will force South Africa to leave one of their top-order players out. On form, that is likely to be Tony de Zorzi, with Ryan Rickelton partnering Temba Bavuma at the top, and Rassie van der Dussen to slot in at No. 3. South Africa’s attack could remain unchanged, though, which means space for only one specialist spinner.South Africa (probable): 1 Temba Bavuma (capt), 2 Ryan Rickelton, 3 Rassie van der Dussen, 4 Aiden Markram, 5 Heinrich Klaasen (wk), 6 David Miller, 7 Wiaan Mulder, 8 Marco Jansen, 9 Keshav Maharaj, 10 Kagiso Rabada, 11 Lungi NgidiPitch and conditionsThe most important news, given the way things have gone over the last few days, is that a clear day is forecast for Karachi, which has thus far also been a high-scoring venue. In the two previous matches played there in this tournament, the team batting first has scored over 300 and won the game convincingly. South Africa were one of those teams, and they believed they could have topped up their 315 for 6 against Afghanistan and know what’s possible after their experience in these conditions in a tri-series over the last month. England have been involved in two high-scoring games and fallen short both times, and may be wondering how much is enough. In their last hurrah, they may want to reinforce that their batting blueprint is not just entertaining but successful as well.The last time England and South Africa met in the Champions Trophy was in the semi-final in 2013•Getty ImagesStats and trivia The last time these two teams met in the Champions Trophy was in the semi-final in 2013. England were comfortable winners over South Africa, whose batting collapsed in what turned out to be coach Gary Kirsten’s final match in charge. England, though, went on to lose the final to India. Liam Livingstone is set to play his 100th international match across formats. So far, he has played one Test, 38 ODIs and 60 T20Is. Phil Salt is 20 runs away from 1000 in ODIs.Quotes”If you look at the quality of the players, the English players are quality. In league cricket around the world, they do well, which should suggest that they’re adaptable. If you look at the names on the sheet, there’s some quality players there. There’s no doubt about that. Cricket can be fickle and sport can be fickle, and sometimes that results in you losing. There’s good cricketers that, to be honest, could turn out tomorrow and deliver an international standard performance against us.”
South Africa white-ball coach Rob Walter on why his team is expecting a fight from England in their final appearance at this year’s Champions Trophy

Aston Villa have had a fairly quiet summer transfer window, signing just one prominent first-team player, Evann Guessand from Nice, who cost around £30m.

They have sold a few players, too, with Jacob Ramsey being the notable exit. The boyhood Villa star moved up north to join Newcastle United.

They were recently on the cusp of losing another midfielder, one of Unai Emery’s key men in the centre of the park. Belgian star Youri Tielemans had interest from Saudi side Al-Ittihad, according to reports, but turned down the offer to remain at Villa Park.

With the transfer window set to slam shut on Monday, Villa could now turn their attention to incomings, as they look to strengthen Emery’s squad.

Aston Villa's transfer plans in the final days

It will be interesting to see what business the Villans do as the end of the transfer window approaches.

Emery’s side seem to want a new midfielder, with Lucas Paqueta of West Ham United one player who they’re showing interest in signing.

Transfer Focus

Mega money deals, controversial moves and big-name flops. This is the home of transfer news and opinion across Football FanCast.

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They are said to have joined the race to sign another midfielder with Premier League experience, too.

That’s according to reports in Spain, via Sport Witness, who suggest that the West Midlands side are said to be interested in signing Atletico Madrid and England midfielder Conor Gallagher.

They are thought to have ‘money in the bag’ this summer, and could well send an offer to Diego Simeone’s side ‘in the coming hours’.

However, they will face competition from Premier League rivals Tottenham Hotspur and Crystal Palace, with the Hammers also showing interest. As for the price, Gallagher could be available for around £34m this summer.

Why Gallagher would be a good signing

Gallagher is a player who has reams of Premier League experience and would have no trouble slotting into the midfield at Villa Park, in that sense.

He has impressed in the Spanish capital for Simone’s side, where his “relentless” nature, as Statman Dave put it, has served him well.

Last term, the 25-year-old, who was born in Epsom, played 50 times for the La Liga giants, mainly operating as a number eight, but also playing as a left midfielder.

He bagged four goals, including one against rivals Real Madrid in the Champions League, and assisted six.

But it is that English top-flight experience which might make him such an appealing option for Emery and Villa.

Gallagher has played 136 times in the Premier League for Chelsea, Palace and West Brom, having loan spells at the latter two. He has 31 goal involvements to his name.

It could well be the case that, if Villa do sign Gallagher this summer, he could become Emery’s new Tielemans.

Of course, it seems like the Belgian will remain at Villa Park this summer, which is key for the club given his importance in Claret and Blue.

Last season, the former Anderlecht star played 50 times, with 36 of those coming in the Premier League and 12 in the Champions League.

He chipped in with five goals and ten assists, often operating as a deep-lying playmaker sitting in front of the back four, but also playing further forward.

Indeed, there are comparisons which can be made between the two players. Gallagher is also a versatile option in midfield, as he showed for Chelsea. The Cobham graduate featured as a number six, a number eight and in attacking midfield for his boyhood club.

There are also similar underlying statistics when looking at numbers from 2022/23, when Tielemans was at Leicester City and Gallagher was plying his trade at Stamford Bridge.

The England international’s impressive passing range was on show, given that he averaged 5.83 progressive passes per 90 minutes, compared to Tielemans’ tally of 6.96 each game.

Gallagher vs Tielemans – 22/23 PL

Stat (per 90)

Gallagher

Tielemans

Progressive passes

5.83

6.96

Key passes

1.17

1.15

Progressive carries

2.22

1.35

Tackles and interceptions

3.83

3.62

Ball recoveries

5.17

7.5

Stats from FBref

Emery would surely love to have another version of Tielemans in midfield. Gallagher offers ball progression and threat in the opposition box, as well as tenacity off the ball. Between them, the duo could be a deadly midfield pivot.

A fee of £52m is a huge investment at this stage of the window, but might be a smart move for Villa if they are looking to improve their midfield options.

Related The next Duran: Aston Villa "very keen" to sign "unstoppable" £35m star

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Posts ByKelan Sarson Aug 28, 2025

Tottenham are set to be very active in this final stretch of the window, and we can expect talks for attacking targets to intensify quickly after they were robbed of a deal for Eberechi Eze by north London rivals Arsenal.

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The Lilywhites thought they were closing in on Eze, then Arsenal moved, and everything changed.

Spurs were deep in talks with Crystal Palace, seemingly on the brink of agreeing a deal for their star number 10.

However, Arsenal reignited their long-standing interest almost immediately after losing Kai Havertz to injury – seizing the initiative and agreeing a deal worth £60 million upfront, plus £7.5 million in add-ons.

Despite Tottenham agreeing both personal terms and a deal in principle with Palace, the final decision rested with Eze, and he chose a move to the Emirates.

The 27-year-old grew up a Gunners fan, trained in their academy as a youth, and Mikel Arteta’s side needed fresh attacking flair amid Havertz’s fresh knee problem. Arsenal have been targeting Eze all summer, but Havertz inadvertently pushed them into action whilst breaking Spurs’ hearts in the process.

Now Spurs are left scrambling for different options to plug the creative voids left in their squad – made worse by Son Heung-min’s departure and James Maddison’s long-term ACL injury.

In just a few hours, the tag-team of Arteta and sporting director Andrea Berta snatched the deal from under Daniel Levy’s nose. From nearly finalized by Tottenham to firmly Arsenal’s – this one will sting in N17 for some time.

Levy and Thomas Frank will be desperate to put the saga behind them whilst making a serious statement of intent, and they’ve been linked with a few intriguing attacking options in the aftermath of their botched Eze deal.

Tottenham are still trying to loosen Man City’s grip on Savinho, but another option is still there in the form of Real Madrid star Rodrygo.

Tottenham could be close to agreeing loan deal for Rodrygo

According to Defensa Central, the Brazilian is not in Xabi Alonso’s plans, and his pool of suitors is running thin.

As things stand, Spurs are the most realistic destination for him, and their eagerness to offload him has resulted in Bernabeu chiefs softening their stance when it comes to his £86 million price tag.

So much so, in fact, that Real are now prepared to green-light an initial loan for Rodrygo, something that is enticing Tottenham as Levy maintains an interest in the 24-year-old.

As per Defensa, this means that Tottenham “could be close” to reaching an agreement for Rodrygo, as they’re also ready to cover the player’s entire £208,000-per-week salary.

The only roadblock is apparently whether Levy will agree to include a buy-option/obligation, as Florentino Perez would ideally like his price tag paid in full, but could be forced to wait until 2026.

Rodrygo, for his part, has decided to leave Real in pursuit of more game time, and while not explicitly stated, the prospect of a Premier League move could well tempt him.

Called a “superstar” by Luka Modrić, Rodrygo bagged 14 goals and 11 assists in all competitions for Los Blancos last term.

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India are unlikely to tinker with a winning combination, while Matt Henry’s availability will be in focus for New Zealand

Alagappan Muthu08-Mar-20254:00

Key match-up: India spinners vs NZ batters

Big picture: The two best spin-bowling unitsEverybody knows how this is going to play out.India will lean on the strength of their spinners, who on occasion have challenged the idea that runs even belong in the game of cricket. Kuldeep Yadav and Varun Chakravarthy are probably allowed to do that. One minute, they toss a tiny white ball down the pitch, the next a full-grown man at the other end becomes a footnote in history without knowing what happened.But the other two? The left-arm orthodoxers? One of them doesn’t even do it right. Axar Patel is supposed to turn the ball. And by all accounts, he does try. He runs in steady. He gives it a good rip. But the ball just never listens. All it wants to do after leaving Axar’s hand is crash into the stumps. India’s four spinners have produced 21 wickets in the Champions Trophy 2025. That’s more than the other three World Cup winners in this competition combined.Related

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Stead: Hectic travel schedule 'takes it out of you a little bit'

Henry's availability for Champions Trophy final 'a little bit unknown'

Dubai has been the perfect playground. It is also shaping up to be a bit of an asterisk. Rohit Sharma and his men have had one less variable to worry about than every other opposition – travel – and that clearly makes it less of an even playing field. And it would be unfair if they – the players – had asked for it. They didn’t. All they’re doing is taking advantage of an advantage given to them. Cricket cannot solve the issue that has led to this event – and potentially other future events – being conducted in two different countries. So it did what it could. Put on a show and cash in.Perhaps New Zealand are here to balance the scales a bit. Their spinners have been almost as good as India’s, picking up 17 wickets, and they’ve had the better of India in four of the last eight ICC tournaments. They have a member of the current Fab Four in good form and a contender for the next one coming off a hundred. Eight of the XI they’ve been using at this Champions Trophy were also part of the Test side that beat India in India 3-0. They really should stop meeting like this. But lucky for us, and maybe the ICC too, they won’t.Form guide: India on a rollIndia: WWWWW (last five matches, most recent first)
New Zealand: WLWWWCan Kane Williamson continue his good form in the final?•Getty Images

In the spotlight: Kane Williamson and Shubman GillNew Zealand will be playing in their sixth ICC men’s final. Kane Williamson has been part of five. How many more does he have left? He’s seen Steven Smith retire from ODIs. He’s seen Joe Root exit the Champions Trophy. He’ll be seeing Virat Kohli soon enough, and only one of them will get to walk away with a title. What if Williamson wins? Will he bow out on a high like Kohli did from T20Is? And what if he loses? Does he have it in him to keep going?It was a double-century against New Zealand that showcased the heights that Shubman Gill can reach in one-day cricket. The ease with which he puts the ball away. The ability to handle pressure. The skill to shepherd an innings even while running out of partners. He seemed too young, at 23, to be able to do all that. And yet there he was. It seems entirely appropriate, considering the speed with which Gill has developed in ODI cricket, that only two years later, he has the chance to shape an ICC event.2:19

Is it still advantage India in Dubai?

Team news: Matt Henry trains on match eveIndia have beaten New Zealand in Dubai already and that’s how they realised their best combination for those conditions, bringing in Varun and gaining another point-of-difference bowler through the middle overs. It’s unlikely they’ll want to tinker with that.India (probable): 1 Rohit Sharma (capt), 2 Shubman Gill, 3 Virat Kohli, 4 Shreyas Iyer, 5 Axar Patel, 6 KL Rahul (wk), 7 Hardik Pandya, 8 Ravindra Jadeja, 9 Kuldeep Yadav, 10 Mohammed Shami, 11 Varun ChakravarthyThere has been concern around Matt Henry’s right shoulder after he landed awkwardly on it during the semi-final three days ago. He has been key to New Zealand’s plans, particularly against India, before. And so, in what would have come as very good news for New Zealand, Henry bowled and fielded at their nets session on match eve, suggesting he should be fit to play.*New Zealand (probable): 1 Will Young, 2 Rachin Ravindra, 3 Kane Williamson, 4 Daryl Mitchell, 5 Tom Latham (wk), 6 Glenn Phillips, 7 Michael Bracewell, 8 Mitchell Santner (capt), 9 Kyle Jamieson, 10 Matt Henry, 11 Will O’RourkePitch and conditions: Win toss, bat first, win match?A fresh pitch was offered to the two teams in the semi-final in Dubai and though it was somewhat better for batting, it wasn’t by any means helpful. Both teams will be focused on taking pace off the ball and might value setting a total, not just because it is a knock-out game, but because in the absence of dew, run-scoring will get harder as the pitch wears and tears.Stats and trivia: Kohli chasing Gayle Henry has ten wickets at an average of 16.70 at this Champions Trophy. Five of those wickets came in the group match against India in Dubai India have made the knockout stages in 12 of the last 14 ICC events and won three. New Zealand have made eight and won one Virat Kohli is 45 runs away from beating Chris Gayle’s record as the highest run-getter in the Champions Trophy New Zealand’s spinners took seven wickets in the semi-final against South Africa, their joint-highest tally in a game of 50-over cricket. But they weren’t too effective in the group game they played against India, picking up two wickets for 128 runs at 5.1 runs per overQuotes”Yeah, regardless of whether it’s my last or not, that’d be pretty nice, wouldn’t it?”

تحدث ديدييه ديشامب، المدير الفني لمنتخب فرنسا الأول لكرة القدم عن إصابة كيليان مبابي، مهاجم ريال مدريد، خلال مواجهة أذربيجان.

وواجه منتخب فرنسا نظيره أذربيجان، مساء الجمعة، في تصفيات أوروبا المؤهلة إلى كأس العالم، إذ فاز الديوك بثلاثة أهداف دون رد.

وشارك كيليان مبابي في تلك المباراة كأساسي وسجل الهدف الأول بطريقة رائعة، قبل استبداله في الدقيقة 83 حيث بدا متأثرًا بإصابة في الكاحل، مماثلة لتلك التي تعرض لها قبل أيام في مباراة ريال مدريد وفياريال.

اقرأ أيضًا | ماركا تكشف تفاصيل إصابة كيليان مبابي مع منتخب فرنسا وموعد عودته

وقال ديشامب في تصريحات نقلتها “RMC”: “هل كان من الضروري اللعب كل هذه المدة؟ يمكننا دائمًا أن نسأل أنفسنا هذا السؤال لكنني أجريت نقاشات كثيرة مع كيليان سواء خلال الأسبوع، قبل المباراة، بين الشوطين، أو خلال الشوط الثاني”.

وأكمل: “لسنا بعيدًا عن حالته التي لم تتفاقم، لم يعد يعاني من المزيد من الألم ولكن هناك بعض الصدمات”.

وأردف: “قبل أن أخرجه من الملعب، تلقى ضربة في مكان الألم في كاحله، بالطبع توقف عن اللعب فورًا، لولا هذه الصدمة وبالنظر إلى لياقته البدنية، لن يحدث ما حدث، في كرة القدم هناك احتكاك وللأسف قد تصاب”.

MatériaMais Notícias

A turbulência nos bastidores do clube associativo do Botafogo teve mais um capítulo nesta sexta-feira (16). Após o Conselho Fiscal ter orientado a rejeição das contas de sua gestão em 2022, o presidente Durcesio Mello enviou uma carta aberta aos sócios do Alvinegro. O dirigente detalhou o estado no qual o clube estava e apontou melhorias feitas até o momento.

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–  Mourisco Mar com a piscina furada. As duas quadras externas cobertas estavam completamente esburacadas, sem tabelas e com dezenas de goteiras. O aquecimento da piscina semiolímpica estava quebrado, a nossa tradicional escolinha não estava funcionando, a piscina social se encontrava em mau estado de conservação, sem atendimento da lanchonete e com o piso sujo e cheio de rachaduras. O casario onde funcionam o restaurante e o bar do deck estava deteriorado – destacou Durcesio.

+ Confira a tabela de classificação do Brasileirão e os próximos jogos

Em seguida, o mandatário ressaltou:

– Estamos ainda hoje debruçados em solucionar esse problema que herdamos. O projeto está pronto e buscamos agora alternativas financeiras para fazer frente a uma reforma milionária – disse.

Além disso, foram exibidas fotos do estado no qual estavam piscinas, quadras e a histórica sede de General Severiano, com infiltrações na parede, piscina esvaziada e suja entre outros problemas. O dirigente valorizou melhorias feitas na sede social.

Além de reformas nas quadras e investimentos em diversos esportes, Durcesio prometeu reabrir a loja do clube.

– A Loja Oficial, abandonada por incompetência e desacertos contratuais, será reinaugurada em até dois meses, recuperada e grandiosa. Graças a um projeto bem estruturado, passará do abandono à rentabilidade, revertendo-se em benefícios para o clube – afirmou.

Durcesio Mello também prometeu um novo museu no casarão clássico da sede social e uma reforma no CT João Saldanha, que não é mais utilizado pelo futebol profissional, abraçando uma nova utilidade. O dirigente assumiu o clube em 4 de janeiro de 2021 e ficará na presidência até o fim de 2024.

Confira a íntegra da carta:

“Caros sócios proprietários e amigos botafoguenses!

Passados pouco mais de dois anos e meio de mandato, gostaria de destacar os principais pontos que marcaram um período de muita luta e avanços.

Como os senhores sabem, em função da pandemia e do atraso do Campeonato Brasileiro de Futebol de 2020, que se estendeu até o fim de Janeiro de 2021, assumimos o clube com o futebol em queda livre, profundamente endividado e lamentavelmente deteriorado.

Precisávamos agir rápido.

Provavelmente, a maioria dos senhores não faça ideia do estado deplorável que se encontrava o clube quando tomamos posse.

Diante das tantas urgências, priorizamos duas que julgávamos mais importantes: a estruturação do futebol, visando o retorno à série A, e o início imediato de uma estruturação organizacional que tornasse possível ao clube um novo ciclo de realizações e conquistas.

Como dissemos, assumimos a gestão com o futebol lamentavelmente desestruturado e praticamente rebaixado, rumo ao pesadelo de mais uma queda para a segunda divisão.

Já naquele momento, decidimos assumir o controle do processo, mesmo que não tivéssemos nenhuma relação com o histórico do time e cientes dos enormes desafios que enfrentaríamos.

Consumado mais um triste rebaixamento, arregaçamos as mangas e partimos para a luta.

O primeiro ato indispensável do nosso plano para o futebol, naturalmente, era voltar à primeira divisão, e foi exatamente isso que fizemos. Retornamos como campeões, dando ainda mais força a essa conquista.

É preciso ressaltar, entretanto que, paralelamente a esse grande esforço, colocamos em curso uma dinâmica sofisticada: estruturar organizacionalmente o clube, preparando-o para vôos mais altos.

Já nos primeiros momentos de nossa gestão, asseguramos que os processos organizacionais e administrativos começassem a avançar. Antes do nosso mandato, tinha sido aprovado previamente, junto ao nosso Conselho Deliberativo, o projeto que denominamos de Botafogo S.A., e tínhamos consciência de que o desafio de sobreviver ao caos financeiro encontrado e buscar um ciclo vitorioso e sustentável para o futebol, passava necessariamente pela constituição da Sociedade Anônima do Futebol.

Com metas estabelecidas e ajustes em andamento, conhecemos John Textor, com sua sólida experiência, além de seus propósitos claros e impactantes. Assim, avançamos nas negociações, dando um salto rumo ao pioneirismo, constituindo a primeira SAF do Brasil.

Hugo Ekitike is reportedly set to be fined two weeks' wages by Liverpool manager Arne Slot after getting sent off against Southampton in their 2-1 Carabao Cup win. The Frenchman came off the bench to score the winner but he was soon walking down the tunnel after picking up a second yellow for taking off his shirt in celebration.

Ekitike's moment of 'stupidity'

Although Ekitike ensured Liverpool progressed to round four of the Carabao Cup with his late goal at Anfield in midweek, he drew the ire of manager Slot for his avoidable dismissal. The 23-year-old came on for Alexander Isak in the second half, and eight minutes after his arrival, he was booked for punching the ball away when referee Thomas Bramall blew for a Saints free-kick.

The former Eintracht Frankfurt star then tapped in Federico Chiesa's pass in the 85th minute to make it 2-1 and took his shirt off to celebrate in front of the home fans. It didn't take long for it to dawn on him and many others that he would get his marching orders, and sure enough, Ekitike was given a second yellow. 

Following the victory, manager Slot said, "Needless? Yes. And it was stupid. The first one was already needless and, to a certain extent, stupid, as you have got to control your emotions. I told him that if you score in the Champions League final in the 87th minute after outplaying three players and hitting it in the top corner, I can maybe understand.

"He is like, 'This is all about me, what did I do?'. But I am old-fashioned, I'm 47 and old. I never played at this level but did score a few goals, and if I scored a goal like this, I'd have turned around and walked up to Federico Chiesa and said, 'This goal is all about you, this is not about me'. It's always best to control your emotions. If you can't, do it in a way that doesn't lead to a yellow card."

AdvertisementGetty ImagesLiverpool star Ekitike apologises for 'needless' red card

The 6ft 3in forward, who has five goals for the season in all competitions already, admitted the "emotion got the better of me" after removing his jersey in the heat of the moment. 

He wrote on social media, "I was so excited to help the team achieve another victory here in our home for my first Carabao Cup match. The emotion got the better of me. My apologies to all the Red family. Thanks to the fans who always support us and to my team-mates for this victory!"

Teammate Andrew Robertson also criticised Ekitike for his actions, labelling the incident "silly".

He told , "I'll be very surprised if he does it again. Scoring a goal is always emotional and he's obviously just forgotten. His first one is stupidity. Two silly bookings and we miss him for Saturday. It's silly from his part. He will learn from it and I'm sure he won't do it again."

Punishment for Liverpool's Ekitike revealed

According to the, Ekitike is facing having his wages docked for two weeks as a result of this incident. While this may just be a drop in the ocean for the cash-rich player, who is said to be earning around £250,000 a week, his teammates will be more annoyed that the ex-Paris Saint-Germain man will serve a one-match ban.

He has three Premier League goals already and with colleague Isak still not 100 per cent fit, that may mean the Sweden international has to play longer than he would wish right now.

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Getty Images SportEkitike will have eyes on Isak

With Ekitike set to miss Liverpool's trip to unbeaten Crystal Palace in the Premier League on Saturday, a side that beat the Reds in the Community Shield final last month, former Newcastle United star Isak will likely start at Selhurst Park.

The Swede signed for a whopping £125 million ($169m) this summer, dwarfing the £79m ($105m) spent on Ekitike. There could come a point this season where Isak is first-choice striker, so the Frenchman has to be on top form to keep him out of the team. He will return for their Champions League game away at Galatasaray next Tuesday, though.